Bible Passages

Read Matthew 20: 1–16

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:12

In a now-classic television show, Oprah Winfrey had a season of giving. With the help of her many sponsors, she gave gifts to each member of the audience. After a few shows, the audience knew about this, and expected to be given something for attending the show. The exact gift was always kept as a surprise, but it was always something fabulous.

I was part of a television audience a few years back. There was a strict timeline. Everyone had to fill out some paperwork (who are you, why are you here, emergency contact, etc.), shuffle through a security screening gate, and file into an elevator. It was the largest elevator I have ever seen. We then learned the elevator contained the entire audience for that show. Anyone arriving after the elevator started moving would be left behind, unable to be in the audience for that particular episode. We waited a few minutes before being transported up to the floor where filming would take place, as there were a couple of people still being processed. Once they arrived, we were all taken up to the studio at once, together. The late-comers got off first, as they were closest to the doors, and got to choose their seats first.

I am reminded of one of the Parables from the Bible. Jesus told of a man who hired a group of people, very early one morning, to work his vineyard, offering each a fair and full day’s pay. All day long, he hired on anyone else looking for work. At the end of the day, he handed each worker a full day’s pay, beginning with the last ones to arrive. Those who toiled all day were paid last, and also received a full day’s pay. Some of those laborers protested, saying they should be paid more for doing more work than those who came later in the day.

The man reminded them they had agreed to a full day’s pay in return for a full day’s work, so they had received their due pay, and had not been slighted. He also reminded them that the money paid was his to do with as he wanted. Just as in other stories taught by Jesus, and the late-comers to the television audience, those who got a late start were celebrated first by being first to get paid. For us Christians, our full day’s pay is an eternal home in Heaven with our Father, whether we arrive early or late. What matters most to God is we arrive.

Just like Oprah’s audience, once that final trumpet blows to call us Home after our labors are done, we know a special prize is waiting just for us. We can only imagine how great heaven is, but just like on Oprah’s show, we won’t know exactly what it will be until the end of the show. Just like on Oprah’s show, if you show up before the elevator leaves, you still get in, you still get to see the show, and you still get your reward, a one-way trip to heaven. Just like on Oprah’s show, if you miss the elevator, you lose.

Don’t miss the elevator!

Prayer Focus

Those without Christ in their lives.

Prayer

Dear Father Almighty, help me find my way to You and, along the way, to help others find You. Amen.

Final Thought

Don’t let the elevator leave without you.